Methods and compositions based on inhibition of cell invasion and fibrosis by anionic polymers

Abstract

The present invention relates to the discovery that biocompatible anionic polymers can effectively inhibit fibrosis, scar formation, and surgical adhesions. The invention is predicated on the discovery that anionic polymers effectively inhibit invasion of cells associated with detrimental healing processes, and in particular, that the effectiveness of an anionic polymer at inhibiting cell invasion correlates with the anionic charge density of the polymer. Thus the present invention provides a large number of materials for use in methods of inhibiting fibrosis and fibroblast invasion. Anionic polymers for use in the invention include but are not limited to natural proteoglycans, and the glycosaminoglycan moieties of proteoglycans. Additionally, anionic carbohydrates and other anionic polymers may be used. The anionic polymers dextran sulfate and pentosan polysulfate are preferred. In a more preferred embodiment, dextran sulfate, in which the sulfur content is greater than about 10% by weight, may be used. In a more preferred embodiment, the average molecular weight is about 40,000 to 500,000 Daltons. The present invention provides compositions and methods to inhibit fibrosis and scarring associated with surgery. The invention further provides compositions and methods to inhibit glial cell invasion, detrimental bone growth and neurite outgrowth. In a preferred embodiment, the inhibitory compositions further comprise an adhesive protein.

Description

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is directed to compositions comprising biocompatible anionic polymers and methods using such compositions to inhibit fibrosis, and attendant complications such as scar formation and surgical adhesions. Compositions and methods to inhibit glial cell invasion, neurite outgrowth and bone growth are also provided.2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONSurgical adhesions--attachment of organs or tissues to each other through scar tissue--can produce clinical problems. The formation of scar tissue is a normal sequel to surgery or other tissue injury and is required for proper wound healing. In some cases, however, the scar tissue overgrows the intended region and creates surgical adhesions. These scar tissue surgical adhesions restrict the normal mobility and function of affected body parts. Where peripheral nerves are involved, fibrous adhesions can elicit severe pain during normal movement. Furthermore scars and keloid tissue (raised scar tissue) ar...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Surgical adhesions--attachment of organs or tissues to each other through scar tissue--can produce clinical problems.

In some cases, however, the scar tissue overgrows the intended region and creates surgical adhesions.

These scar tissue surgical adhesions restrict the normal mobility and function of affected body parts.

Where peripheral nerves are involved, fibrous adhesions can elicit severe pain during normal movement.

Furthermore scars and keloid tissue (raised scar tissue) are often unsightly and present psychological and emotional problems.

Gelfoam (denatured collagen gel) and silastic membranes showed some effectiveness in preventing adhesions (LaRocca and Macnab, supra); later studies, however, indicated that gelfoam was ineffective or promoted scar formation (Gill, 1985 supra; Gill, 1979, supra; Yong-Hing, supra).

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